Overview

Pitch guidelines help freelancers structure their pitches, making it easier for you to review, accept, or decline. This article explains the key differences between pitch guidelines and pitch requests and outlines what to include in effective pitch guidelines.

Information

Pitch guidelines are a set of instructions provided to freelancers to standardize how they should format and present their pitches.

These guidelines make it easier for editors or decision-makers to quickly review the content and decide whether to accept or decline a pitch. They differ from pitch requests, which are one-time calls for specific ideas or content submissions. Pitch guidelines, on the other hand, are overarching instructions that apply to all submissions, ensuring consistency and clarity in the pitches received.

In terms of structure, a well-drafted pitch guideline should include the following elements:

• Title: Freelancers should provide a concise and compelling title for their proposed story.
• Sample lede: This is a brief, engaging introduction meant to grab attention and tease the main idea of the story.
• Overview: A one- or two-paragraph summary that covers the essence of the story, including its main points and why it’s relevant to the audience.
• Proposed sources: Freelancers should indicate the primary and/or secondary sources they plan to use to support their story. This helps editors assess the credibility and depth of the pitch.
• Relevant links: Freelancers should also include links to articles, studies, or other materials that will inform or inspire the final product. This adds context and showcases the freelancer’s research.
• Turnaround expectations: It’s essential for freelancers to provide a clear timeline, typically in business days, for when they can deliver the final product. This helps editors manage their editorial calendar.

Pitch guidelines serve to create a streamlined process that saves time for both freelancers and editors. By providing clear expectations upfront, you can ensure that pitches are more aligned with your needs and easier to evaluate.

Summary

Pitch guidelines provide freelancers with a standardized structure for submitting their ideas, helping editors review and make decisions efficiently. The guidelines differ from pitch requests, which are specific calls for submissions, by offering general instructions for all pitches. Key components include the title, a sample lede, an overview, proposed sources, relevant links, and a clear turnaround time. These elements ensure pitches are well-organized, informative, and easy to evaluate.